Dispatcher - City of Lenexa

The City of Lenexa police department is currently accepting applications for a Police Dispatcher to join our team!

We are an agency with an excellent reputation that is identified as a nationwide leader in the law enforcement community. You will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and technological resources and can work with a community that is exceptionally supportive of the police department.

Working for the City of Lenexa is more than a job. You will be trained, supported, and valued. You’ll make a difference in the community, work alongside talented people, have leadership support, and work in a stable and positive work environment. We value work-life balance and will give you the resources to succeed in your position.

Position Summary

This entry-level civilian position receives, evaluates and prioritizes multiple emergency and non-emergency calls from the public and other law enforcement agencies utilizing the CAD system; performs a broad range of duties which includes operating a complex two-way radio system, applying investigative skills to aid in criminal apprehension and crime prevention, makes use of state-of-the-art surveillance systems to assist in investigations and ensure officer and civilian safety, completes data entry assignments and is able to multi-task and complete divided attention tasks efficiently and in a calm manner.

Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities

• Call taking: Answers emergency and non-emergency voice, text to 911 and TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) calls. Communicates effectively with callers to determine the location and nature of incidents and the type of response required.
• Dispatching: Communicate effectively with field units using complex two-way radio systems maintaining strict radio discipline and compliance with FCC regulations, relays information to responders and other agencies. Monitors and manipulates street cameras as necessary to direct officers and to assist in maintaining officer safety.
• Computer skills: Operates a sophisticated Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to record and monitor all activity. Enters data as it is received via telephone or police radio. Performs inquiries, entries and updates into multiple law enforcement-related computer databases.
• Acts as liaison between citizens and police officers during a call for service and/or emergency incident to help ensure the safety of all involved.

Ability to:

• Diffuse and respond effectively to situations involving intense pressures and/or unpredictable persons
• Handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure
• Draw reasonable and logical conclusions from information that may be confusing, disjointed and/or incomplete
• Remember numerous details and recall essential information quickly and accurately
• Think and act quickly in a decisive manner
• Make sound and reasonable judgments
• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance
• Utilize strong interpersonal relationship skills and participate fully in a team-oriented environment
• Interact with other employees and citizens in a courteous and respectful manner
• Project positive support of the department and City organizations at all times
• Work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and short-notice overtime assignments
• Comprehend English spoken in a variety of accents and dialects
• Speak English clearly, fluently and articulately with no distracting accents, dialects, mannerisms or impediments that could impair or delay prompt efficient communication under stressful conditions
• Utilize proper grammar, punctuation, spelling and structure in written communications
• Record information accurately (ex: does not transpose numbers and/or letters)
• Continuously wear a radio/telephone headset that fits over one ear and/or fits within the ear canal of one ear and still be able to hear and comprehend, understand and properly react to sound sources external to the headset
• Hear, see, react to and demonstrate above-average hand/eye coordination to multiple simultaneous sound and visual sources

Minimum Qualifications

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent and at least 18 years of age.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Must be a US citizen or able to legally work in the United States.
• Must be able to accurately type 40 words per minute.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and short notice overtime assignments.

Compensation and Benefits

Hiring range is $24.64 to $28.56 per hour dependent on qualifications and directly related experience. The City of Lenexa offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Low-cost premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Free or low-cost on-site medical clinic
• 4% employer retirement contribution with optional 2% match
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Minimum 2 weeks of vacation during first year
• Paid sick leave and personal leave (bonus personal leave during first year)
• Six weeks of paid parental leave
• City-paid short-term and long-term disability plans
• Tuition reimbursement up to $3,500 per year
• Free membership to the Lenexa Rec Center

This position is also eligible to receive the following:

• $1,300 annual ~ $50.00 per pay period secondary language stipend for those who pass a City of Lenexa proctored oral speaking proficiency test.
• Shift differential – Evening shift $.75 per hour and Night shift $1.00 per hour.
• Tuition reimbursement $3,500 annual; $25,000 total lifetime reimbursement.

Hiring Process

Qualified applicants must be able to pass a typing test and a standardized written/audio skills assessment, oral board interview, polygraph, an extensive background investigation, interview with the Police Chief, pre-employment drug screen, medical screening, and psychological testing.

• Please refer to the list of Automatic Disqualifiers and the LPD website for additional information about the police department hiring process.

To apply, complete an online application as the first step in our hiring process. Individuals who successfully complete this online application will be contacted by email with further instructions and next steps in the hiring process.

As an equal opportunity employer, the City of Lenexa strives to treat all employees fairly, with consistency and respect, while providing a positive, challenging and rewarding work environment. We value and encourage diversity in our workplace.